22

Avery's POV

The sound of the door opening awoke me from my sleep. I was about to get up, but memories flashed of what happened earlier so I kept my eyes closed and laid still. I felt the bed dip beside me and my heart felt like it was going to burst from beating so hard out of fear.

"I know you're awake," a deep voice said behind me.

I still didn't move, fearing that the man might do something to me as soon as I opened my eyes.

"Elio," he called out.

My whole body tensed, hearing that name once again. My mother was the only person who called me that. She never told me why she called me that name. All this time, I just thought it was an endearment.

"Ah, so she did call you that," the man chuckled. "Come on now, get up so we can talk," he said softly.

I took a deep breath before opening my eyes. The sun had already risen and it was shining through the windows. I took a deep breath before slowly sitting up on the bed. I still didn't look at the man, I kept my back towards him.